UNIGE signs a Memorandum of Understanding with WIPO

On Monday 5 September, the University of Geneva, and more specifically the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting (FTI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Through this agreement they promote the training of the next generation of conference interpreters.

WIPO, working with six languages in their main bodies and committees, has recently built a new state-of-the-art conference room including simultaneous interpreting equipment. Added to the overall upward trend in the number of meetings held by international organizations in Geneva, the demand of local interpreters often surpasses the supply. Recruiting young graduates thus becomes crucial. However, in order to perform to standard, they need to be exposed to WIPO’s specific environment.

This MoU sets the framework of this access, allowing graduates to benefit from concrete trainings with the necessary pedagogical structure in place.

From left to right: Kilian Seeber,Vice-Dean (FTI), Christina Fertis, Chief Interpreter (WIPO), Stéphane Berthet, Vice-Rector (UNIGE), Andrew Staines, Assistant Director General (WIPO), Lijun Fan, Director, Language Division (WIPO).